by Ruby Taylor | Jul 2, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Wakehurst: artist in residence
Wrens, ropes and rats I’ve been looking at nests and ropes as part of my research for the position as artist in residence at Wakehurst Place. This beautiful wren’s nest, made of grasses, straw and moss was in the roof of the iron age roundhouse at...
by Ruby Taylor | Jun 20, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Wakehurst: artist in residence
I’m visiting Wakehurst Place in East Sussex to have a look at their meadows with my position as artist in residence for this summer in mind, which will be part of their Meadows Festival. The plan is to explore the possibilities of weaving with the meadow plants...
by Ruby Taylor | Jun 19, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Courses, Foraging, Wild Basketry
I’m standing in a large patch of shoulder-high wild grasses on the edge of a midsummer Sussex field. I’m here foraging grass for basketry. They’re in full flower, stashed full of pollen, and I’m a hay fever sufferer. Hmm… To one side is a...
by Ruby Taylor | May 2, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Courses, Foraging, Wild Pottery
Ankle-deep and barefoot in the cold stream (or thigh-deep as we were one April after a long rainy period), grubbing away at an exposed seam of clay. It’s just like being a child again- getting dirty and wet, squidging the lovely stuff between our fingers,...
by Ruby Taylor | May 2, 2014 | All Journal Entries, Courses
An annual favourite, this. It’s held every May Day bank holiday weekend in the beautiful grounds of Michelham Priory. I’ll be demonstrating netting and cordage from various plant fibres including bramble and rush. Visitors can also have a go at the...
by Ruby Taylor | Feb 18, 2014 | All Journal Entries
There are 86 pieces of Lego per person in the world. I told my friends this and, aside from reservations about the proliferation of plastics, most were in favour of Lego as a ‘fantastic experimental learning tool’. I remember playing with it when I was a child. I can...